This week, we’re exploring how to apply principles of Universal Design (UD) to support students in autonomously choosing more collaborative learning options. If you haven’t already learned about Universal Design (UD), catch up with our introduction and get even more ideas by reading about how to create a sensory-friendly environment and design your classroom with felt-safety in mind, first! 

Collaborative learning spaces can foster a sense of community, enhance connection, and provide opportunities for peer support.  A universally designed approach to collaboration is beneficial for all students, supporting opportunities for coregulation and learning from others. To universally design collaborative learning spaces, though, you also have to have the flexibility to create a space for students who prefer to work individually and do not gain nervous system regulation by working with others. 

Below are a few ideas to get you started on creating collaborative learning opportunities within the design of your classroom: 

Designate Flexible Work Zones

Investment: Varies

Create different zones within the classroom for various types of collaborative and independent activities. Give students options to access these zones based on their preference for how to work together, when possible. Design them with sensory regulation, felt-safety, and additional needs in mind. 

• Arrange furniture, dividers, or rugs in a way that can visually distinguish between different areas, including a quiet zone and a more open space for active and individual workstations.
• Allow students to choose their work zone based on the nature of the activity and their personal preferences.
• Use eye level and visual signs to help students understand the purpose of each area and any expectations related to using those areas. 

Arrange Furniture for Flexible Group and Individual Work 

Investment: Free to Low

Arrange desks and tables in a way that accommodates both group and individual activities. Ensure that there is enough space between groups and individual workstations to reduce noise levels and distractions. You could:

• Arrange desks in small groups but leave space for individual desks around the room for students who prefer working alone
• Use modular furniture that can be easily rearranged to support both collaborative and solitary work
• Create a variety of seating arrangements, including clusters for group work and quiet corners for independent tasks

Create Shared and Personal Resource Areas

Investment: Free to Low

Establish areas where students can access shared materials and resources while also providing personal storage options.

• Designate a corner of the classroom for shared supplies like markers, paper, and reference books, as well as individual storage bins for personal items.
• Use bins or shelves to organize and store these materials, making them easily accessible to all students.
• Provide each student with a labeled bin or cubby to store their personal resources and items.

Creating a classroom that is universally supportive of collaborative learning can also be accomplished by the way you design your classroom routines and how you implement your classroom management as an educator. Now that you’ve explored ways to concretely implement Universal Design (UD) principles in your classroom, including designing spaces that are sensory-friendly and supportive of felt-safety, what if we take it one step further by exploring ways to support UD within your instructional approach? Continue to follow along with our series for more ideas! 

This article is the fourth article that is part of a five part series about Applying Universal Design.